The RoSPA Test

Changes in direction should be smooth and controlled. The rider must be able to balance the machine by taking account of the various forces acting upon it and variations in road surface and in weather conditions.

The Examiner will expect brake application to be smooth and progressive with the pressure being reduced gradually as unwanted speed is lost. The balance between front and rear brakes should be varied according to the condition of the road surface and the speed of the motorcycle.

You cannot make appropriate plans for hazards ahead unless you are fully aware of what is happening behind you. Therefore the Examiner will be looking for correct use of the mirrors. Remember there are times when a shoulder check is required no matter how much you have used your mirrors.

Ensure that your visor or goggles and any fairing screens are clear at the start of the test. You may want to consider using an anti mist spray or device to help prevent your visor or goggles misting up during the test. Also ensure that all light lenses are clean

The RoSPA advanced test is based on Roadcraft and The System of Motorcycle Control described therein. The Examiner will be looking to see how well you understand and apply the phases of The System, are they well timed and appropriate, do you go back to an appropriate earlier phase if circumstances change on the approach to a hazard? Do you consistently take, use and give information throughout your application of The System?

You must always be able to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be clear. The Examiner will look at the line you take on the approach and through the corner, if it gave you the best view with appropriate safety margins, was your speed of approach correct and were you in the right gear? Did you control the bike smoothly and accurately maintaining stability through correct use of the throttle and gears?

As an advanced rider you need to be able to recognise and react to road signs, markings and hazards in good time. In this way you give yourself time to react and form a riding plan. The Examiner will be looking for evidence of this in the timing and manner of response to the various signs and hazards that you come across.

An advanced grade can be obtained without an overtake being made on the test, however if the opportunity is there the Examiner will be looking at how you deal with it. All overtaking manoeuvres must be well planned, carried out safely and within the speed limit. There is no exemption in law for exceeding the speed limit to complete an overtake!

Advanced riding is not all about speed, it is essential that you continually assess the hazards around you and adjust your speed accordingly. Having said that you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to control your motorcycle at speeds up to the legal limit where it is appropriate to do so. Be aware that a riding plan that requires you to exceed the legal limit to complete a manoeuvre safely is not acceptable. Likewise if you consistently exceed the speed limit the Examiner may stop the test and you will fail.

One of the skills of an advanced rider is the ability to see hazards and situations developing earlier than lesser skilled riders. This is achieved by constantly scanning all around taking in the near, middle and distant views as well as to the rear. Use your higher seating position on the bike to obtain the best all round view that you can. Smell and sound can also play a significant part in this. In this way the advanced rider has more time to plan and deal with situations and can also anticipate the actions of other road users, almost appearing to do so automatically. Like positioning mentioned earlier this skill is just as relevant in lower speed limits as it is on the open road. The Examiner will be looking to see how and when you react to changes in conditions and hazards.

The Examiner will look to see what you consider a safe following distance. How you use acceleration sense to maintain a safe following position and also your appreciation of the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.

Following the on road element of the test the Examiner will ask you some questions to check your knowledge of Roadcraft and The Highway Code. You may also be asked some questions relating to your motorcycle.

Clutch operation should be smooth and progressive showing good balance with the throttle to achieve smooth gear changes. Unnecessary slipping of the clutch should be avoided. The manner in which you use the gears can tell a lot about your ability as a rider. The Examiner will be looking at the timing and smoothness of your gear changes.

Smooth use of the throttle together with good acceleration sense, which is one of the hallmarks of an advanced rider, can do much to make the ride smooth and fuel efficient. The Examiner will be looking for the smooth application of the appropriate amount of power at the right time for the circumstances.

The consideration of the use of the horn is as important in Advanced riding as actually using it. The Examiner will be looking to see if you correctly consider the use of the horn, do you cover the horn button, and if you do use the horn is that use appropriate for the circumstances. Is it timed correctly, is the length of use appropriate? Remember the horn is a means of informing other road users of your presence, it is not a form of rebuke.

Whenever you move off or stop you must ensure that it is safe to do so and your actions should be smooth and precise. Remember that when you initially move off this will be the first impression the Examiner has of your riding. Make it a good one. Before moving off do mirror and shoulder checks and signal as appropriate. Similarly when you intend to stop, ensure that you check mirrors etc and signal your intention if appropriate and remember to brake smoothly.

If you are to take in all the information that is available at any time then you need to position your motorcycle appropriately. This applies equally to roads subject to lower speed restrictions (30, 40 and 50) as it does to roads subject to the national speed limit. Consider on the approach to a hazard whether your position provides you with the best view whilst retaining appropriate safety margins? Remember that you can assist other road users by making sure they can see you. However never sacrifice safety for view. If moving to a position to obtain what you consider to be the best view would place you in actual or potential danger, then do not do it!

Signals are the primary way you give information to other road users about your intentions. They must be given correctly and at the right time so as to avoid confusion. Give them only when they will benefit another road user and remember they indicate your intention, not what you are already doing. Remember that on a bike your indicators may be smaller and less conspicuous than on a car, an arm signal may be advantageous in some circumstances. Also just because you have signalled your intention, you do not have the right to carry it out.

Advanced riders demonstrate an ability to ride at a speed within the legal limit that is safe for the situation. The Examiner will be looking for you to ride in a manner that is safe, smooth and systematic whilst making progress where it is appropriate and also showing consideration for others. It is however possible to be too considerate and thereby adversely affect your own opportunities to make progress during the test. In order to achieve the correct balance it is vital that you concentrate fully at all times

The Examiner will be looking for good balance and smooth use of the controls enabling you to progress smoothly at low speed.

Respect your motorcycle and do not ask too much of it. Always ride within the capabilities of the motorcycle you are riding whilst not being afraid to allow it to give you its optimum performance. There is a difference between riding a bike positively and progressively and ‘thrashing’ it.

Ensure that your riding position is comfortable and allows you easy access to all of your bike’s controls. If you are comfortable you will be more able to demonstrate a calm controlled and confident manner throughout the test. Lying flat on the fuel tank or hanging off the seat in corners should not be necessary for the road rider. Quiet efficiency is the hallmark of an advanced rider.

The Examiner will anticipate you being nervous and will make some allowances for this so try not to let nerves affect your performance.

When intending to join these roads from a slip road with more than one lane you should generally, dependent on traffic conditions, use the one which gives you the best view of the main carriageway. Use this view and acceleration sense to give you the correct speed to merge with the traffic on that carriageway smoothly and safely. On the carriageway remember that speeds are generally higher than other roads and allow an appropriate following distance. When planning to leave the motorway allow time to get into lane 1 without having to ‘cut across’ other vehicles. When joining or leaving such roads consider a signal as required to inform other road users of your intentions.